Dimension Data, a leading technology services company, announces that it is implementing EuroDocsis standard across the network of Dutch cable operator Essent Kabelcom. Dimension Data will be installing Cisco’s EuroDocsis standard systems in a deal initially worth 10 million euros. By switching to EuroDocsis, the Dutch multimedia company is getting ready to provide IP-services over cable. The protocol will also enable Essent Kabelcom to respond to the growing trend that sees customers buying their own cable equipment from retail shops. Dimension Data has already worked on several projects for the Dutch cable operator in the past and is a certified partner of Cisco Systems.

Essent Kabelcom is a major player in the Dutch cable business. The company is active in the field of telecom, datacom, radio, TV and Internet, for both consumers and corporations. About five million people use its services every day in North, East and South Holland via 1.7 million cable connections.

"We are convinced that very soon customers will be able to buy their cable equipment in a supermarket themselves and install it at home. Essent Kabelcom must meet this trend. To prepare for this future, standardisation is crucial. It is the only way to keep the purchase threshold as low as possible for customers. EuroDocsis is a logical choice because its open standard allows us to be very flexible, accelerate the time-to-market of future IP-services and keep down costs," according to Bert Meijerink, director of operations for Essent Kabelcom.

The EuroDocsis standardisation for the Dutch cable operator will be undertaken by Dimension Data. The network integrator has already worked for Essent Kabelcom on the development of the backbone and the roll-out of Kennisnet, the Dutch government’s network that connects Dutch schools. Dimension Data also has a solid reputation with other cable operators.

Bert Meijerink, director of operations for Essent Kabelcom: "We chose Cisco Systems' technology because it is a strong partner and one of the first to be Docsis 1.1. certified that invests a great deal in research in this field."

Steven Vantongelen, sales director of Dimension Data Belgium concludes: " We are happy to take care of the EuroDocsis standardisation for Essent Kabelcom. It is one of the first Dutch cable operators to prepare in this way for the future development of IP-services. For Dimension Data, it is an ideal opportunity to broaden its expertise in the field of cable networks and to reinforce its presence in the service provider market."

The EuroDocsis standardisation of the Essent Kabelcom @Home Internet service, will constitute the basis for a second phase of auto-provisioning and Voice over IP-services.

About Essent Kabelcom

Essent Kabelcom is the second largest cable operator in the Netherlands. The company employs more than 1000 people. In 2001, the turnover was in excess of 270 million euro. The company, the only major player in the business, is one hundred percent Dutch owned. Essent Kabelcom is the result of a merger of CasTel (North Holland) and Palet (South Holland) in May 2000. This merger came to be following the merger of the parent companies, NV EDON and PNEM-MEGA Group, into NV Essent. Together with Essent Energie and Essent Milieu, Essent Kabelcom is a division of Essent .

About Dimension Data

Dimension Data Holdings plc (LSE: DDT) is a leading global technology services company, which specialises in providing and managing collaborative infrastructure solutions that enable businesses to communicate and transact internally and externally.

Dimension Data, founded in 1983, had revenues of $2.5 billion in 2001 and operates in over 30 countries. The company's global presence, combined with its expertise in managed services, network infrastructure, application integration and e-business services enables it to provide specialist solutions to help its customers become fully integrated and connected companies.